RAPID GLOBAL MOBILITY ... DELIVERY ON DEMAND
American power can be projected quickly to anywhere on the face of the earth as a result of the Air Force’s capability for
rapid mobility. The Air Force’s 122,000 air mobility Airmen provide swift deployment and the ability to sustain operations
by delivering essential equipment and personnel for missions ranging from major combat to humanitarian relief operations
around the world. Mobility forces also provide in-flight refueling, which is a unique Air Force capability and the linchpin to
joint power projection at intercontinental distances.
The strategic impact of rapid global mobility is woven throughout Air Force history—
from the Berlin Airlift during the late 1940s, when the Allies sustained a city of two
million citizens for more than six months as a symbol of our Nation’s commitment
to freedom, to today, as Air Force transport aircraft depart for a mission every 90
seconds, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. On any given day, the Air Force’s inventory
of mobility aircraft delivers critical personnel and cargo and provides airdrop of
time-sensitive supplies, food, and ammunition on a global scale. In 2012 alone,
Airmen flew 38,000 airlift missions, including 1,300 airdrops that delivered 40
million pounds of livesaving sustainment to coalition forces in Afghanistan.
Beyond moving cargo and equipment, Air Force rapid global
mobility is vitally important to the individual Soldier, Sailor, Marine,
Airman, and Coast Guardsman. The Air Force is saving lives with
unprecedented survival rates because our highly skilled aeromedical transport teams swiftly evacuate combat casualties. The Air Force’s
ability to evacuate wounded troops promptly from the battlefield to
emergency rear-area field hospitals and the first-response medical aid
provided en route by pararescue forces or critical care air transport
teams have set a new standard for the survival of wounded warriors.
Servicemen and women who likely would not have survived in past
conflicts now return home to their families.
We anticipate a future that requires the Air Force to provide rapid global mobility
to remote, austere, and distributed locations in contested environments.
Because every mission counts, we are driven to seek the most effective and
efficient way to move people and equipment. New concepts and innovations that
increase range, fuel efficiency, access to unimproved airfields, and load capacity
will guide our future investments. Building on our recent achievements, we
will continue to improve our aeromedical evacuation, precision airdrop, and
in-flight refueling capabilities for use in contested environments. Whether
sustaining the warfighter in any environment or delivering hope with
humanitarian assistance, Airmen will ensure that our own government and
international partners are strengthened with the unique capability to get assets
to the fight quickly, remain in the fight, and return home safely.
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